By Emma Barhydt
The usually serene Tod’s Point transformed into Tod’s Pond last week as torrential rains and swelling tides merged to inundate roads, parking lots, and the Old Greenwich Yacht Club. This event, though devoid of material destruction, serves as a profound reminder of nature’s increasingly unpredictable temperament.
Greenwich, like much of the East Coast, found itself grappling with the whims of nature. The National Weather Service’s report of a staggering 2.35 inches of rain within a mere 48 hours — over half the monthly average for January in one storm — is a testament to the intensifying weather patterns. The waters rose, not just in terms of rainfall, but with tides peaking at an unusual 8.8 feet, exceeding the average high tide mark of about 7.5 feet.
This meteorological anomaly; however, was not an isolated incident. Similar scenes of flooding painted the coastlines of some of town residents’ favorite vacation spots in Maine and Massachusetts. This series of events falls within the broader context of a robust El Niño cycle, a climatic phenomenon known for its disruption of Pacific Ocean temperatures and subsequent worldwide weather impacts.
The El Niño cycle, while significant, is merely a piece in the larger puzzle of climate change. As outlined in the United Nations’ 2022 report, the severity and frequency of such weather events are symptomatic of a global trend, a narrative far exceeding local or even national boundaries.
Amidst these challenges, the incident at Tod’s Point underscores the importance of community engagement and awareness in weather-related situations. Greenwich is keeping the climate and these increasing challenges at the forefront of town policy.
In December 2023, Greenwich released its Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Plan (S&CRP). This plan, a culmination of years of diligent work by several local groups and agencies reflects a comprehensive analysis of climate action plans from various governmental levels. It demonstrates a deep understanding and a commitment to sustainability including the results from a public survey on the matter for residents.
Over 600 residents, business owners, and town employees participated, expressing concern about climate change’s impact on Greenwich, with 74.8% acknowledging its significance and 66% of respondents recognizing climate change as a shared responsibility. Concerns about flooding, extreme weather, air quality, biodiversity, and sea level rise were prominent. These insights shaped the town’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), focusing on flooding mitigation, waste reduction, and energy initiatives.
Greenwich’s environmental stewardship journey dates back to the early 2000s, marked by milestones such as the adoption of the “Clean Energy Resolution” in 2008 and achieving silver certification in Sustainable CT’s program in 2018 and 2021.
Tod’s Point has now recovered from its watery siege, though the recent flooding stands as a stark reminder to be prepared, both as individuals and as a town.
